Insider drops first glaring hint about Commanders draft plans

A respected insider revealed which way the Washington Commanders might be leaning with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

It's been a guessing game regarding the Washington Commanders' plans for progression at football's most important position. Adam Peters is running a much tighter ship than previous owner Dan Snyder ever accomplished. There's a cohesive, close-knit feel to the football operation with very few links coming from within the building. Although frustrating, it's the correct way to go about things.

Peters tipped his hand by signing veteran Marcus Mariota in free agency and trading Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks. This indicates those in power are targeting a quarterback at No. 2 overall. That's been a foregone conclusion for some time. Which prospect the Commanders end up taking is the hot topic of discussion.

Washington's influential figures are currently traveling the country to get a better feel for the top quarterbacks emerging from the college ranks this year. Peters is keen to find the right locker room leader as well as the best talent available. Caleb Williams looks to be on his way to the Chicago Bears at No. 1. After that, all bets are off.

Commanders could be leaning to Jayden Daniels

Albert Breer from Sports Illustrated provided the first major hint about which way the Commanders are leaning. During a television appearance, the respected insider suggested Washington is targeting LSU prospect Jayden Daniels via USA Today Sports. This is based on what offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury looks for in his quarterbacks and his conversations with people around the league.

"The more I’ve started to ask around, the more it seems like Jayden Daniels is probably the leader in the clubhouse to be a Commander. It does match up with what Kliff Kingsbury’s looked for in his quarterbacks over the years."

- Albert Breer via USA Today Sports

This might be the case, but it's far from over.

Kingsbury will have a big say and recommend his chosen guy, but he won't have the final say. That will fall on Peters and head coach Dan Quinn when push comes to shove. This provides a level of confidence that the correct signal-caller can be found. Someone capable of leading the Commanders into a prosperous new era.

Daniels looks the most pro-ready of the options aside from Williams. He also looks tailor-made for Kingsbury's schematic concepts, although he could do with adding a little more muscle mass if he plans on putting his running prowess to good use at the next level.

One couldn't rule out Drake Maye out just yet. He's a little less polished, but the upside might be far higher if some technical flaws and footwork issues are resolved. But at the same time, there's no telling if these flaws can be fixed. And the Commanders need someone to start right away.

Breer also revealed that the Commanders have received calls for the No. 2 pick, but they aren't budging and are unlikely to do so. Daniels surged to the betting favorite recently, so there is significant momentum building at the right time.

Of course, nobody will know for sure until the big night. Daniels is electrifying and riding on the crest of a wave after his Heisman Trophy campaign in 2023. That won't guarantee success in the pros, but it's a decent place to start.

Until then, we wait…

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